 |
|
Einstein researchers identify potential target for metastatic cancer
August 11, 2009The deadliest part of the cancer process, metastasis, appears to rely on help from macrophages, potent immune system cells that usually defend vigorously against disease, researchers at Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University report.
In a new study published online in PLoS ONE, Einstein cancer research specialist Jeffrey W. Pollard, Ph.D., and seven colleagues analyzed the movement of breast cancer cells in mice to show that a distinct population of macrophages helps malignant cells set up shop at distant sites. This process, known as metastasis, is the main reason cancer patients die.
Dr. Pollard and his colleagues propose that their discovery offers a potentially useful new target for anti-cancer therapy. What they've found is a vulnerable step in the cancer process that might be blocked by drug treatments. In three different ways, the scientists showed that metastatic tumor growth is inhibited if these unusual macrophages are killed.
They also showed that even after breast cancer cells have lodged in the animals' lungs and started aggressive growth, erasing the special macrophages dramatically slowed growth of the metastasized tumors. "This suggests that anti-macrophage therapy will have an impact in patients even with metastatic disease," Dr. Pollard said.
Based on this new work, he added, "macrophages themselves, or their unique signaling pathways, represent new therapeutic targets that may be efficacious in reducing cancer mortality."
Ordinarily, macrophages are vital for maintaining health as an integral arm of the immune system, one of the body's main lines of defense. Their assigned tasks include cleaning up debris in the wake of disease or injury, alerting other immune system cells when an infection begins, and helping identify viruses and bacteria that need to be killed.
The findings of this study build on earlier cancer research by Dr. Pollard and his team that shows macrophages can act at the primary tumor site to enhance tumor progression and malignancy. Thus, they've now shown that macrophages can become traitors, enhancing the worst aspect of the disease - metastatic tumor growth.
"This new study is important because it definitively shows the effects of macrophages at distant sites, as well as the identity of the macrophage population," Dr. Pollard explained. "This is the first proof that they have impact at this location, at the site of metastatic tumor growth."
Dr. Pollard noted that "metastatic disease is the major cause of cancer mortality," in part because the distant tumors tend to resist chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Unfortunately, "the biological mechanisms that underlie metastatic disease are poorly understood," so continuing research is needed. And if metastasis can somehow be blocked -- particularly through influencing cells of the metastatic microenvironment -- the impact on cancer mortality would be enormous.
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
They also showed that even after breast cancer cells have lodged in the animals' lungs and started aggressive growth, erasing the special macrophages dramatically slowed growth of the metastasized tumors. "This suggests that anti-macrophage therapy will have an impact in patients even with metastatic disease," Dr. Pollard said.
Based on this new work, he added, "macrophages themselves, or their unique signaling pathways, represent new therapeutic targets that may be efficacious in reducing cancer mortality."
Ordinarily, macrophages are vital for maintaining health as an integral arm of the immune system, one of the body's main lines of defense. Their assigned tasks include cleaning up debris in the wake of disease or injury, alerting other immune system cells when an infection begins, and helping identify viruses and bacteria that need to be killed.
The findings of this study build on earlier cancer research by Dr. Pollard and his team that shows macrophages can act at the primary tumor site to enhance tumor progression and malignancy. Thus, they've now shown that macrophages can become traitors, enhancing the worst aspect of the disease - metastatic tumor growth.
"This new study is important because it definitively shows the effects of macrophages at distant sites, as well as the identity of the macrophage population," Dr. Pollard explained. "This is the first proof that they have impact at this location, at the site of metastatic tumor growth."
Dr. Pollard noted that "metastatic disease is the major cause of cancer mortality," in part because the distant tumors tend to resist chemotherapy and radiation treatments. Unfortunately, "the biological mechanisms that underlie metastatic disease are poorly understood," so continuing research is needed. And if metastasis can somehow be blocked -- particularly through influencing cells of the metastatic microenvironment -- the impact on cancer mortality would be enormous.
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Macrophages Current Events and Macrophages News RSSNew insight in the fight against the Leishmania parasite
Professor Albert Descoteaux's team at Centre INRS - Institut Armand-Frappier has gained a better understanding of how the Leishmania donovani parasite manages to outsmart the human immune system and proliferate with impunity, causing visceral leishmaniasis, a chronic infection that is potentially fatal if left untreated.
Sperm may play leading role in spreading HIV
Sperm, and not just the fluid it bathes in, can transmit HIV to macrophages, T cells, and dendritic cells (DCs), report a team led by Ana Ceballos at the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina.
Stanford study identifies cellular mechanism that causes lupuslike symptoms in mice
Macrophages, the scavenger cells of the body's immune system, are responsible for disposing of dying cells. Stanford University School of Medicine researchers have identified one pathway in this important process in mice that, if disrupted, causes a lupuslike autoimmune disease.
Major discovery opens door to leishmania treatment
Leishmania is a deadly parasitic disease that affects over 12 million people worldwide, with more than 2 million new cases reported every year.
Reactive oxygen in fruit flies acts as a cell signalling mechanism for immune response
For years, health conscious people have been taking antioxidants to reduce the levels of reactive oxygen in their blood and prevent the DNA damage done by free radicals, which are the result of oxidative stress. But could excessive use of antioxidants deplete our immune systems?
To regenerate muscle, cellular garbage men must become builders
For scientists at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) in Monterotondo, Italy, what seemed like a disappointing result turned out to be an important discovery.
Pitt study finds molecular link between insulin resistance and inflammation
An exploration of the molecular links between insulin resistance and inflammation may have revealed a novel target for diabetes treatment, say scientists at the John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.
Scientists open doors to diagnosis of emphysema
Chronic inflammatory lung diseases like chronic bronchitis and emphysema are a major global health problem, and the fourth leading cause of death and disability in developed countries, with smoking accounting for 90% of the risk for developing them.
Researchers capture bacterial infection on film
Whilst most studies of bacterial infection are done after the death of the infected organism, this system developed by scientists at the University of Bath and University of Exeter is the first to follow the progress of infection in real-time with living organisms.
Common allergy drug reduces obesity and diabetes in mice
Crack open the latest medical textbook to the chapter on type 2, or adult-onset, diabetes, and you'll be hard pressed to find the term "immunology" anywhere.
More Macrophages Current Events and Macrophages News Articles
 |
Macrophages and Dendritic Cells: Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology) by Neil E. Reiner (Editor) In light of the critical contributions of macrophages and dendritic cells to diverse inflammatory diseases and to immunity and host defense, state-of-the-art approaches to the investigation of their behavior are essential. In Macrophages and Dendritic Cells: Methods and Protocols, expert researchers contribute laboratory protocols involving these two vital cell types functioning at the junction of the innate and acquired immune systems. The volume delves first into isolation and cell culturing then continues with topics such as phagocytosis, genetic manipulation, macrophage activation, and lipid signaling. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology™ series format, chapters include brief introductions to their respective subjects, lists of the necessary materials... |
 |
The Macrophage by Bernard Burke (Editor), Claire E. Lewis (Editor) The field of macrophage research has grown enormously since publication of the first edition of this book. The Macrophage 2e provides a unique comprehensive review of the current scientific knowledge of the multifaceted role of this important and intriguiging cell in health and disease. In 16 chapters by experts in the field it covers the basic biology and diverse functions of macrophages in specific diseases and the complex of interactions between macrophages and other cells. Ranging from their role in the defense against pathogens, their role as hosts for pathogens (including HIV), their complex roles in diseases such as arthritis and cancer, and their potential for use in novel gene therapy approaches to disease treatment, the book gives an up to the minute account of active... |
 |
Source Naturals AHCC Active Hexose Correlated Compound 750mg, 60 capsules by Source Naturals Dietary supplement. Active hexose correlated compound. Increases natural killer cell activity. AHCC (Active Hexose Correlated Compound) is a proprietary compound produced by cultivation and enzymatic modification of several species of mushroom mycelia, including shiitake, grown in rice bran extract. Considered a superfood supplement in Japan, AHCC has been researched extensively for its immune enhancement properties. According to human and animal research, AHCC may significantly increase Natural Killer (NK) cell activity. AHCC may also increase macrophage activity, enhance cytokine production, and support the healthy functioning of the liver as well as act as an antioxidant. (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to... |
|
Macrophage the Toil and the Reap | |
 |
Macrophage Sun Project (Primary Contributor) |
 |
Lymph Nodules Node Sem Lymphocytes and Macrophages Photographic Poster Print, 16x12 by AllPosters.com AllPosters.com is the world's #1 seller of posters, prints, photographs, specialty products and framed art. We're dedicated to bringing our customers the best selection of high quality wall décor that is perfect for their home or office. Browse our catalog of over 300,000 items that include entertainment and specialty posters, decorative prints, and art reproductions. Whether you're looking for your favorite movie or music poster, a framed Monet reproduction, or a print of the Eiffel Tower you will find it at AllPosters.com. Visit our Amazon store today at www.amazon.com/allposters to find Special Offers and search by subject category or artist. AllPosters.com provides unmatched service with a 100% satisfaction guarantee. We ship internationally to over 80 countries. Decorate your... |
 |
Macrophages: A Practical Approach (Practical Approach Series) by Donna M. Paulnock (Editor) Univ. of Wisconsin. Provides data on the isolation, activation, and monitoring of diverse macrophage activities. Includes a variety of current techniques for the measurement of a board range of macrophage activities. Softcover, hardcover also available. |
 |
Teaching About Immunity Kit by American Educational Products This kit clearly displays the interrelated workings of the Immunity System. Attack an invading anigen with a phagocyte or monbyte. Produce macrophages. T-Cells, B-Cells, Plasma Cells, and antibodies. Clone T and B cells to produce Helper, Killer, Memory and Suppression cells. Demonstrate the operation of AIDS, Cancer, Vaccines, Allergies, Autoimmune reactions and more right on the board. Students can readily participate in the "hands on" activities. The Plastick pieces will not break, chip, tear, peel or wear out! Comes complete with a 30" X 40" Demonstration Board, mounting legs, and Teacher's Guide with detailed lesson plans plus reproducible student worksheets. |
|
Lentiviruses and Macrophages: Molecular and Cellular Interactions by Moira Desport (Editor) | |
 |
Planetary Herbals Full Spectrum Astragalus Extract, 500 mg, Tablets , 120 tablets (Pack of 2) by Planetary Formulas Herbal supplement. Botanical immune support. Astragalus is one of the primary immune tonifiers of Chinese herbalism. Full Spectrum Astragalus Extract combines a standardized astragalus extract with whole, high grade astragalus root, to ensure the presence |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |